Yellowknife (Aug 20/03) - While most kids Marissa Martin's age are playing Pokemon and watching Sponge Bob Squarepants, the Grade 6 student is well on her way to building a corporate empire.

Marissa Martin, 11, sells newspapers and walks dogs. - Andrew Raven/NNSL photo

The precocious 11-year-old Yellowknife resident sells newspapers three times a week, runs a fledgling dog-walking business and plans to start working at McDonald's as soon as her 12th birthday comes around.

"I like to make money so I can go movies and get slushies at the convenient store," said Marissa, who will be attending Range Lake North School in the fall.

The young entrepreneur is in her first year of selling newspapers, which she says can be extremely competitive.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday she jockeys for position with six other kids outside of the Northern News Services building on 50th Avenue.

The kids, clad in bright orange vests, wait in line to fill their satchels with newspapers.

Once the kids are loaded up with papers, a mad dash ensues as each newsie rushes for the holy grail of selling locations.

"Everybody wants a spot in front of the liquor store," said Marissa.

"I'm not usually fast enough to get there though. I usually stay out in front of the post office."

On a typical day, she sells about 20 papers in a two- hour span. Carriers get to keep half of what they sell, so Marissa makes about $10 an hour.

"It actually pays pretty well," she said.

Marissa admits that when she first started hawking papers the going was tough, but she now has selling down to a science.

"You have to stay in one place," she said.

"If you walk around, you ... can keep bumping into the same people."

"And you always have to be polite. I usually say 'Paper ma'am' or 'Paper, sir'."

When the pre-teen isn't selling newspapers, she's walking dogs for her neighbours near Mandeville Drive.

Marissa charges $5 an hour for her dog walking services and she's got three clients so far this year.

"It can be fun walking the dogs," she said.

While most kids her age sit around watching television or playing video games, Marissa said that isn't an option in her household.

"If I'm just sitting there, my mom and dad will make me work. So I might as well go out and do other stuff."

Next year, Marissa plans to get a job at McDonald's. In fact, she applied at the fast food restaurant this year, but was turned down because she was too young.

"I'm looking forward to next year when I'll be 12 so I can work there. I want to work at the cash or in the back." she said, her eyes lighting up.